26th UN Tourism General Assembly sets AI-powered agenda for global tourism in Riyadh

AI-powered tourism was the central theme as the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly opened yesterday in Riyadh, marking a milestone moment for the global tourism community. Hosted for the first time in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, this Assembly is the largest in the organisation’s history, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of UN Tourism. Around 160 delegations, including ministers, senior officials, and leaders from across the industry and civil society, convened under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future” to discuss how technology can support sustainable and inclusive global tourism growth.

Also read → AI-driven tourism ecosystem takes centre stage at UN Tourism General Assembly

The Assembly is organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with UN Tourism and an extensive network of global partners. The partnership reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to advance tourism development and foster dialogue that can influence policy and strategic decision-making across the sector.

Over the past five decades, UN Tourism has prioritised economic growth, cultural exchange and peace through travel. Today, with digitalisation reshaping consumer expectations and business models, the Assembly will explore how AI-powered tourism can benefit people and places—supporting jobs, small businesses, destination stewardship and the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme includes four plenary sessions, multiple committee meetings, and the 124th and 125th gatherings of the Executive Council, the organisation’s highest decision-making body.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, emphasised the significance of this year’s meeting, stating: “Saudi Arabia is proud to welcome the world to the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly as we celebrate 50 years of UN Tourism’s global cooperation and shared progress. This week marks a defining moment for our industry — a chance to shape how tourism grows in the decades ahead through stronger connectivity, greater sustainability, deeper investment in human capital, and innovation powered by AI.

“Tourism is one of the world’s most powerful forces for prosperity and understanding — creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and connecting cultures. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is committed to ensuring that this growth continues to drive opportunity and inclusion — and to welcoming the world with the spirit of Saudi hospitality that defines who we are.”

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the importance of cooperation in shaping the future of the sector. “The UN Tourism General Assembly brings together tourism leaders from across the world to set the agenda and build a more innovative and inclusive sector. Over the next few days, first with the meeting of our diverse and dynamic Affiliate Members, and then with the sessions of our General Assembly, Riyadh will showcase the power of tourism, as a driver of transformation, modernisation and opportunity. Together, we can harness the power of technology to drive positive change, diversify our economies and create jobs for many millions of people everywhere.”

With official meetings now underway, Riyadh welcomes delegates with modern infrastructure, world-class hospitality and a commitment to global engagement. This reinforces Saudi Arabia’s strategic role in shaping sector transformation, with recent milestones including the establishment of UN Tourism’s first Middle East Regional Office in Riyadh and the Kingdom’s two-term chairmanship of the Executive Council in 2023 and 2024.

As host of the 26th session, Saudi Arabia continues to promote growth, sustainability and multilateral cooperation under the UN Tourism umbrella. The coming days will set the tone for the future of AI-powered tourism, as leaders examine how technology can create value, protect cultural heritage, support communities and deliver long-term resilience.

The article 26th UN Tourism General Assembly sets AI-powered agenda for global tourism in Riyadh first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The post 26th UN Tourism General Assembly sets AI-powered agenda for global tourism in Riyadh appeared first on Travel Daily News